A Handheld Future
This issue of TECH NEWS takes a comprehensive look at the pros and cons of handheld computer devices in the nonprofit world.
The use of handheld computers has rapidly proliferated over the last year. The ubiquitous Palm Pilot is spotted in offices throughout the city, as well as in subways, restaurants and in the hands of school children. Last month, Stanford University Law School and the University of South Dakota each announced pilot programs to outfit their students with handheld devices as part of their broader wireless initiatives.
Handhelds represent a significant advance in computer technology and it is undeniable that their mobility makes life easier. Many models currently on the market have the capacity to run frequently used desktop and laptop programs. Their compact size and relative affordability make them an attractive alternative to laptops, and it seems that every month there are new innovations which allow for even greater computing and storage capability, making them that much more competitive.
For agencies concerned with their bottom line, and for those with employees working out in the field, the time has never been better to buy. But before you rush to place your order, take a moment to review the articles in this issue of TECH NEWS, which is almost exclusively devoted to an exploration of handheld technology as its being used by nonprofits and government agencies.
An explosion of new devices to market has kicked off a price war. Palm may be the best known maker of handhelds but several other companies, including RIM and Handspring, are producing models which give Palm a run for its money. As The Street reported in a May 14th article (http://www.thestreet.com/tech/hardware/1427499.html), the battle of the handhelds has forced prices down. For example, the Palm VII with wireless connectivity through the Palm.net Internet now costs $199 (down from $399). Throw in the $100 rebate Palm is offering on this model, and the wireless handheld can be had for a mere $99.
In this issue you'll find interviews with representatives of several agencies, each at a different stage of handheld implementation. Their experiences with envisioning and implementing handheld technology within the context of their agency functions illustrate the importance of conceiving a strategic plan before introducing handhelds to your work environment. The agency profiles are followed by Lisa Radcliffe's overview of the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which underscores the security concerns implicit in wireless transmission of sensitive information. We are including a profile of 501.Click.com, which doesn't speak directly to handhelds, but does provide some terrific cost-saving measures to nonprofits.
As part of our ongoing effort to enhance our service to you, we appreciate your feedback on this handheld computer issue of TECH NEWS. Please write us at TECHNEWS@uwnyc.org and tell us whether you would like to see this type of topic-focused issue more often.
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